Autograph Letter Signed ('Jno Howard') from John Howard of Preston to his daughter Sarah at 'Mr Jackson's | The Pike | Bolton', commending her reading and writing skills.

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. Good, on lightly aged paper. The red wax seal has been cut away from the second leaf, with no loss to text. Addressed, on the reverse of the second leaf, to 'Miss Howard | Mr Jackson's | The Pike | Bolton | Favored by Mr. Harrison'. An affectionate letter from father to daughter. He begins by describing the pleasure he has had in reading her letter to her brother, 'and the more when I understood that you had not only written it, but composed it'. He feels she will 'profit every Day by the kind and good Instructions of your Cousin and Tutoress'. He urges her never to 'esteem any Thing too difficult which you are set to do. If you were the King's Daughter you would have to learn in patient Submission; and how much more ready should you be to do so in your Situation in Life! Your dear Mother and I have always been glad to see your Fondness for reading, but you must try always to understand, and remember what you read - as it is not the Quantity of reading but duly improving it which is the Thing to be desired - and that makes it of real worth'. He expresses his love and that of his wife for her, and gives news of her siblings Peter, James and John, as well as 'your dear little Sister', whom he is sure Sarah will love 'much': 'John and she are great Playmates'. A postscript refers to 'Aunt Bleasdell', who 'now lives at your Grandfather's on Account of her great Age and Infirmities.'